This page is referenced by:

• 1 media/Pommel Front.jpeg 2022-06-16T10:07:26-07:00 Sword Pommel with the Arms of Pierre de Dreux, Duke of Brittany and Earl of Richmond (MET 38.60) 22 plain 2023-01-17T14:34:39-08:00 48.25410177357274, -2.7591237807900164

  By Liam Foley '23
  
  

  Part of the base of a sword, this pommel is one of the few objects that can be definitively linked to a historical crusader. It was crafted for Pierre de Dreux, the Duke of Brittany and the Earl of Richmond. Pierre was captured during the Seventh Crusade in Egypt in 1250. Later ransomed and released, he died during his return journey to France. 

  The pommel features a dual-sided design. One side of the pommel features Pierre’s coat of arms, which contains the arms of Dreux as well as that of Brittany, a title that Pierre obtained through his marriage to the Duchess Alix of Brittany. The reverse side of the pommel shows a large red cross, a common crusader motif. This cross symbolizes the wielder's commitment to the crusader cause. This side also features vines, which symbolize the life and vitality of the cross. 

• 1 2022-06-16T10:05:13-07:00 What is this? 15 plain 2022-12-22T07:15:06-08:00

  
  This is the sword pommel of Pierre de Dreux (1187-1250). Pierre was born into a relatively modest noble family in France who originally planned for him to join the clergy. However, as a cousin to the French king, it was decided that Pierre should marry Alix, the Duchess of Brittany. This immediately bolstered his title to Duke of Brittany and placed Pierre in an important political position. Pierre's pommel was made around 1240 or a little later; it was constructed in preparation for the Pierre's journey on the Seventh Crusade which he would embark upon in 1248. 
  
  The Seventh Crusade lasted from 1248 to 1254 and was launched by King Louis IX of France. (King Louis IX was also the probable patron of the Morgan Crusader Bible, which you can learn more about on this page and this page). The Seventh Crusade aimed to capture the Holy Land by first conquering Egypt, the crux of Muslim power in the region. King Louis IX believed that once Egypt fell, he would be able to easily capture Jerusalem, since it would no longer be supported by Muslim forces from Egypt. Initially, King Louis enjoyed some battlefield success, however, these victories were short lived. By the early 1250s, King Louis was taken captive and most of his army was defeated. Pierre de Dreux suffered a similar fate and was taken captive by his Muslim adversaries. Louis IX was eventually ransomed and remained in the Holy Land for some time to formulate treaties. Pierre de Dreux was also ransomed but died during his journey back to France.
  
  A sword pommel is the knob on the hilt of a sword. It assists a warrior with sword balance in battle, and it also serves a decorative purpose. 
  
  One side of the pommel showcases Pierre’s family coat of arms, which includes the heraldry of his family (de Dreux) as well as that of Brittany, a title he obtained through his marriage to his wife Alix, the Duchess of Brittany. The other side of the pommel displays a large red cross, symbolizing the wielder's commitment to the crusader cause. This side also features vines used to symbolize the life and vitality of the cross.
  
  Despite the militaristic nature of the crusades, few weapons known to have been used by specific individuals in specific crusades exist. The sword pommel of Pierre de Dreux is a significant historical witness to the actual experience of crusading.

• 1 2022-06-16T10:05:55-07:00 Why was this made, and how was it used? 7 plain 2022-12-22T07:01:08-08:00
  
  Pierre de Dreux's sword pommel was created as a testament to his wealth and power. The pommel symbolizes Pierre's leadership of both the House of Dreux and Brittany, two prestigious titles. The pommel was used as a decorative and practical attachment to the Duke's sword, assisting his grip while also projecting his influence. During the Seventh Crusade, the pommel served as a portable and constant reminder of Pierre's homeland and identity. 
  
  
• 1 2022-06-16T10:07:10-07:00 What does this tell us about the Crusades? 6 plain 2022-12-21T11:54:34-08:00

  
  Pierre's pommel catches your eye, appearing at first more like a lavish seal or coin than as part of a battlefield weapon. However, as Pierre was a wealthy and high-status crusader, it was appropriate for his pommel to properly reflect his identity. Pierre and the sword's designers decided to couple his family heraldry with the sign of the cross, projecting Pierre's power and influence as well as his commitment to the crusader cause. 
  
  The sword pommel of Pierre de Dreux offers us an individualized window into the crusades. It gives us a remarkable view of the types of people who went on crusade and the their motivations. This pommel connects us to a wealthy French Duke who went on Crusade hundreds of years ago and was captured in Egypt in the Seventh Crusade (1248–1254).